MOSCOW (Reuters) - President Vladimir Putin told U.S.
President Barack Obama on Sunday Crimea's referendum on
union with Russia was legitimate and expressed concern
about Kiev's failure to stamp out violence against Russian
speakers in Ukraine.

"Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin drew attention to the
inability and unwillingness of the present authorities in Kiev to
curb rampant violence by ultra-nationalist and radical groups
that destabilize the situation and terrorize civilians, including
Russian speaking population," the Kremlin said.

He suggested European monitors should be sent to all parts
of Ukraine because of the violence, which the Ukrainian
authorities blame on pro-Russian groups. Russian
parliament has given Putin the authority to use the armed
forces if needed to protect compatriots in Ukraine.